EP1280235B1 - Terminal device with an internal clamping contact - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a square housing with its rear facing the electrical device in the in-use position, a space (11) open to the rear to accept a journal-shaped connector element (3) of the electrical device, a second space (12) perpendicularly passing through the first and open at the top, a contact element (5) seated in the second space in the in-use state with its inner end through the first space with a blade clamp slot for the connector element.

Description

Chokes, transformers and similar electrical components require a terminal device to connect their winding to an external wiring. For this purpose, it is known to lead out the winding ends of the electrical component on a housing surface and hang up on a plastic filing. Subsequently, the wire lying on the plastic filament is reinforced with a sleeve, which is crimped with the wire. This creates a pin-shaped connection element which is relatively stiff and protrudes at right angles from the respective housing surface. The connecting element has a section with a constant diameter in its front region.

The connection clamping device known from practice consists of a housing in which two receiving spaces are formed for each connecting element which is to be contacted. The one receiving space serves to receive the connection element, while the other receiving space contains a plate-shaped contact member. The two recording rooms enforce each other. In the intersection of the two receiving spaces, the plate-shaped contact member includes an approximately star-shaped opening.

The terminal device is preassembled and contains in the respective receiving space for each connection element such a contact member. The corresponding prepared terminal clamp is attached during assembly with the component on the pin-shaped connection elements, wherein the existing there crimped sleeve penetrates the associated contoured opening. The pips at the opening edge should provide for a permanent contact.

When attaching the terminal device is not always exclude damage to the exclusion elements. In addition, when removing metal is removed, so that the contact pressure is not always sufficient. The latter affects the long-term life.

The known connection element further carries insulation displacement contacts, via which the external wiring is to be connected. The insulation displacement contacts are used in an automatic wiring machine.

For wiring by hand spring clamps are available, in the stripped wire ends are to be inserted without tools.

The DE 43 12 778 A1 relates to a terminal device with a housing consisting of insulating material, in which a contact springs are arranged. For contacting the terminal device with a ballast, the contact springs on plug contact points, in the cable end sleeves, which are electrically connected to the coil winding of the ballast, are plugged. Two T-shaped tabs of the contact spring are pressed apart by the relevant cable end sleeve, so that in this case a positive contact between the cable end sleeves and the respective contact spring is made.

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to provide a terminal device which connects the contact member with the connection element of the device or component in a different manner.

This object is achieved by the terminal device with the features of claim 1.

As in the prior art, a housing consisting of insulating material is used, which has two receiving spaces per pole. The two receiving spaces intersect approximately at right angles and enforce each other. In the one receiving space sits the contact member, while the other receiving space is provided for insertion of the pin-shaped connection element.

The contact member is provided with an insulation displacement contact, which is in the mounted state at the point where the two receiving spaces intersect.

The insulation displacement contact has the advantage of producing a greater contact force, which is maintained over a long time.

Due to the assembly, the material is displaced during insertion in the clamping slot and scraped less, so that a high contact force is achieved. When plugged together, the material may be deformed to the yield point. There is a sufficiently large-scale permanent contact.

When mounting the new terminal device, the insulating material housing is first placed on the component to be contacted, wherein the pin-shaped connection elements penetrate into the respective receiving space, and indeed into a region beyond the intersection of the two receiving spaces. Then, the contact member is pressed into the respective receiving space in a sliding movement, wherein the insulation displacement slot engages with its edges on both sides of the connecting element and clamped between its edges. Any existing oxide layers, paint layers or other impurities are effectively stripped off. There is obtained a very strong connection between the contact member and the connection element.

The connection element of the electrical component is practically not loaded during contact to kink, because it can hang up on a corresponding bearing surface in the insulating material. This bearing surface acts as an anvil and supports the connecting element with respect to the direction of action of the force. As a result, the connection element is effectively protected against kinking.

The placement of the terminal device is facilitated when the first receiving space widens in a funnel shape toward the rear. As a result, the threading of the connection element is simplified.

Closing the first receiving space to the front side prevents the risk of undesired contacting. Advantageously, the first receiving space in its cross section is largely adapted to the cross section of the contact element to be contacted, such that the connecting element fits into the receiving space with little play. As a result, the above-mentioned assistance in pressing the contact member is achieved.

The second receiving space is substantially adapted to the cross section of the contact member at the respective location. It is at least approximately shaft-shaped and parallelflankig at least in another section to ensure good lateral guidance of the contact member, at least in the region of the contact point with the contact element.

Also, the second receiving space is suitably bag-shaped, i. closed in this case to the bottom of the insulating material.

The material of the contact member is chosen in the usual way and consists for example of hard brass.

The housing may be provided with additional mechanical anchoring means to provide additional mechanical connection to the device or component to be contacted.

If the contact member is provided with projecting contact means, such as a spring clamp, the second receiving space expediently includes extensions that are open to the top of the housing.

In this case, ribs are used, which define a groove between them, in order to ensure over a distance as far as possible a precise guidance of the contact member.

The contact member is plate-shaped at least in the region of the insulation displacement slot, the slot extending from a short peripheral edge into the contact member.

In the simplest case, the contact member over the entire surface or length is substantially plate-shaped. Above the insulation displacement contact additional spring clamping devices can be provided. These comprise at least one lug which is notched out of the contact member and which faces a free edge of a spring tongue which is anchored to the contact member.

Moreover, further developments are the subject of dependent claims. In this case, such combinations are to be regarded as claimed, to which no express embodiment is directed.

Fig. 1

das Gehäuse einer erfindungsgemäßen Anschluss-klemmeinrichtung in einem Schnitt, parallel zur Achse eines Anschlusselementes eines elektrischen Gerätes oder Bauteils, zusammen mit dem heraus-genommenen Kontaktglied, in einer Seitenansicht, und

Fig. 2

das Gehäuse nach Fig. 1 in einem Schnitt in der Ebene des zweiten Aufnahmeraums zusammen mit dem herausgenommenen Kontaktglied.

In the drawing, an embodiment of the object of the invention is shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

the housing of a terminal-clamping device according to the invention in a section, parallel to the axis of a connection element of an electrical device or component, together with the taken out contact member, in a side view, and

Fig. 2

the housing after Fig. 1 in a section in the plane of the second receiving space together with the removed contact member.

In the drawing is schematic, a bipolar Terminal clamping device 1 for an electrical device 2, for example, a ballast shown. The terminal device 1 serves to connect the ballast 2 with an external wiring (not illustrated).

The ballast 2 has on one side two pin-like connection elements 3, of which only one can be seen. The other one is immediately behind it. Each pin-like connecting element 3 is provided at its projecting end with an elongated section with a constant length over the length of the cross section.

To the terminal device 1 includes a Isolierstoffgehäuse 4, which has a substantially rectangular shape and each pole contains a contact member 5.

The following description is limited to the explanation of the configuration of one of the poles. It is clear that the other pole is designed in the appropriate way.

The cuboid Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 is limited by six sides. To simplify the explanation, the following arbitrary designation is used, which is not restrictive: A side facing the ballast 2 is referred to as the rear side 6, a side 7 extending parallel thereto as the front side, which in FIG Fig. 1 upward facing page 8 as the top and one in Fig. 1 down side and parallel to the page 8 side 9 as a bottom or bottom side.

In the insulating 4 are per pole a first Receiving space 11 and a second receiving space 12 included. Both receiving spaces 11, 12 are closed at one end and open to the rear side 6 or the upper side 8.

The first receiving space 11 is composed of a first section 13, which has a constant cross-section over its length and, towards the underside 9, forms a support surface 14 for the journal-like connecting element 3. The section 13 is bag-shaped and opens in the direction of the back 6.

The cross-section of the section 13, the first receiving space is constantly rectangular and chosen so that the pin-like connecting element 3 finds place with sufficient clearance. The clearance is sufficiently dimensioned so that manufacturing tolerances with respect to the distance that are in the connection elements 3 from each other, do not lead to any constraints in the assembly. Straightness errors on the pin-like connecting element 3 are also absorbed by the clearance that the closing element 3 has in the section 13.

Somewhat in the middle, based on the distance between the top and the back 6, 7, the first receiving space 11 merges into a funnel-shaped extension 15, which opens into the back 6. The funnel-shaped extension is in the rear view, as in Fig. 2 is shown on the side of the insulating material to recognize which is not cut open. In contrast, in the cut half, the rectangular cross section of the section 13 can be seen. It can also be seen that the rectangle of the cross section is.

The second receiving space 12 is at least in its lower region, slit or shaft-shaped and arranged so that it intersects the first receiving space 11 at right angles. The two receiving chambers 11 and 12 enforce each other at the point at which the first receiving space 11 passes from its section 13 with a constant cross section in the funnel-shaped portion 15.

The first receiving space 12 has a rectangular cross-section in the lower region, wherein the larger edge length extends parallel to the front or the rear side 6, 7.

At least the lower area of the first receiving space 12 is bounded by a smooth rear wall 16, a smooth front wall 17 parallel thereto and two narrow side walls 18 and 19. Above the funnel-shaped extension 15 of the receiving space 12 is provided with an extension 21 which is located to the rear 6 out. The extension 21 is separated via an intermediate wall 22 of the funnel-shaped extension 15. In the area of the extension 21 sits down in Fig. 1 the rear wall 16 as a wall of a rib 23 which projects into the extension 21.

The rib 23 has a distance from the front wall 17, such that a groove results which has the same width as the distance between the front wall 17 and the rear wall 16 of the first receiving space 12.

Approximately half the height of the insulating housing 4, the first receiving space 12 opens in a groove 24 to of the front side 7. From the side walls of this groove 24 is a rib 25 which lies opposite the rib 23 and of which a rib wall is an extension of the front wall 17.

It is understood that the in Fig. 1 weggeschnittene part of the insulating material 4 is provided with corresponding ribs 23 and 25. The first recording room 12 is on both sides with respect to the drawing plane of Fig. 1 provided with corresponding grooves which are aligned with each other and formed in the second receiving space 12.

Below the groove 24, the insulating housing 4 is finally provided with two funnel-shaped holes 26 which extend from the front 7 to the second receiving space 12. The two holes 26 are located at the same height from the bottom 9 and taper towards the second receiving space 12th

The contact member 5 consists of a sheet brass strip with a front and a back 28, 29, two long narrow edges 31, 32 and two short narrow edges 33, 34. The narrow edges 31, ... 34 are parallel to each other in pairs.

Starting from the short edge 33 leads into the contact member, a first insulation displacement slot 35, which is provided for connection of an external wiring. Another insulation displacement slot 36 extends from the lower narrow edge 34 and extends a distance in the direction of the opposite narrow edge 33. The insulation displacement slots 35, 36 extend parallel to the long narrow edges 31, 32nd

The dimensions of the insulation displacement slits 35 and 36 result in the rest of the following functional description. The depth of the insulation displacement slot 36 corresponds approximately to the height of the first receiving space 12, measured from its bottom, to above the intersection with the second receiving space thirteenth

From the contact member 5 two tabs 37 and 38 are cut out and bent. They leave below two rectangular openings 39 and 41, which in Fig. 2 indicated by dashed lines.

On the back of the contact member 5, a trained as a leaf spring contact spring 42 is riveted at 43. Above the riveting point, the spring 42 is partially slotted by means of a slot 44, whereby two spring tongues 45 and 46 are formed. The spring tongues 45 and 46 abut with their free edge on the downwardly facing flat side of the respective tab 37 and 38, respectively. It results in the Fig. 1 apparent configuration.

In this way, the contact spring tongues 45, and 46 diverge, starting from their root in the direction of the tab 37 or 38 relative to the rear side 29th

The handling and assembly of the described terminal device 1 is as follows:

In a prefabricated Isolierstoffgehäuse 4 a contact member 5 is inserted from the upper side 8 per pole. The long narrow edges 31 and 32 are guided in the groove between the ribs 23 and 25 of each first receiving space 12. The orientation of the contact element 5 in the insulating housing 4 is such that the short narrow edge 34 points with the insulation displacement slot 36 towards the bottom, while the tabs 37 and 38 are aligned to the rear side 6 out.

The dimensions between the contact member 5 and the lateral dimensions of the second receiving space 12 are selected such that the contact member 5 is easily clamped between its two long narrow edges 31 and 32. In this way, a falling in of the contact member 5 is prevented due to its own weight in the insulating 4.

It is pressed with a tool so deep until its short narrow edge 34 just just outside the clearance space of the first receiving space 11.

The prepared in this way terminal device 1, which is provided per pole with a contact member 5, is then plugged with the back 6 ahead of the electrical device 2. In this case, the pin-shaped connecting elements 3 penetrate into the first receiving space 11 belonging to the respective pole.

The funnel-shaped extension 15 is designed in a manner so that any thickening of the connection element 3 can be easily absorbed. The straight part of the pin-shaped connecting element 3, which has a constant over the length of the cross-section, penetrates when attaching the terminal device 1 in the front portion 13 a.

If the insulating 4 with its back 6th rests on the relevant side of the electrical device or component 6, protrudes that portion of the connecting element 3, which has a constant cross-section over the length, through the clearance of the second receiving space 12 between the front wall and the rear wall 16, 17th

The portion of the connecting element 3, which has a constant cross-section over the length, is located partly in the front portion 13 and partly in the funnel-shaped portion 15 of the first receiving space 11.

The connection element 3 rests on the support surface 14.

As soon as this position has been reached, the relevant contact element is pressed completely into the insulating material housing 4 with a tool with the use of force. It moves like a slider in a housing. In this case, the insulation displacement slot 36 slides over the connection element 3, which is correspondingly deformed in the region of the insulation displacement slot 36.

The insertion of the contact member 5 is terminated as soon as it rests with the short narrow edge 34 on the bottom of the second receiving space 12. In this position, the bottom of the insulation displacement slot 36 has not yet touched the connection element 3. It is only squeezed between the mutually opposite lateral flanks of the insulation displacement slot 36.

The other pole is moved in the same way.

The inserted contact member 5 is guided in its lower part in the vicinity of the insulation displacement slot of the lateral walls of the second receiving space 12, and of the front and the rear wall 16, 17 in this area. The distance between the front wall 17 and the rear wall 16 is slightly larger than the thickness of the contact member 5. In the region of the extension 21, the contact member 5 is held only in the region of its lateral longer edges 31, 32 between the ribs 23 and 25 on both sides ,

The ribs 23 project a short distance into the extension 21 or groove 24 in order not to collide with the tabs 37 and 38.

In the assembled state, the downwardly facing flat side of the tabs 37 and 38 is aligned with the upper edge of the funnel-shaped bores 26 with that area having the smallest diameter.

In order to avoid damage, the tabs 37 and 38 can additionally be supported on a shoulder 49, which is provided in the extension 21 opposite the back 6.

The upper insulation displacement slot 35 is in the clearance space of the groove 24. This groove 24 may include additional known guide ribs to position an automatic wiring tool when the wire of the outer wiring is pressed into the snow clamping slot 35.

An electrical connection device is used to connect components and devices with an external wiring. The electrical contact between the connection elements the device and the terminal device, done with the aid of a insulation displacement slot, which is formed on a contact member. The contact member is in front of the connection with the device in a waiting position and is completely inserted during the contact such as a slider in the insulating material, wherein the insulation displacement slot is slipped over the connection elements of the device.

Claims (26)

1. Terminal device (1) for a ballast (2), which has at least one stud-type electrical connection element (3),
   with a substantially cuboidal casing (4), which has a front side (7), a rear side (6) parallel thereto as well as an upper side (8) running at right angles thereto and an underside (9) running parallel to the upper side (8), wherein the rear side (6) is directed towards the ballast (2) in the position of use,
   with a first receiving area (11), which is configured in the casing (4), is open towards the rear side (6) and serves to receive the stud-type connection element (3),
   with a second receiving area (12), which is configured in the casing (4) and extends through the first receiving area (11), its longitudinal axis running substantially at right angles to the first receiving area (11), and is open towards the upper side (8), and with a contact member (5), which sits in the second receiving area (12) in the state of use, which crosses the first receiving area (11) with its inside end in the state of use, which at the inside end has an insulation displacement slit (36) for the stud-type connection element (3) of the ballast (2) to be connected,
   wherein the contact member (5) on assembly of the terminal device (1) movably sits like a slide in the second receiving area (12) and to establish the connection with its insulation displacement slit (36) slides over the connection element (3) located in the first receiving area (11).
2. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first receiving area (11) widens towards the rear side (6) in a funnel shape.
3. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first receiving area (11) is closed towards the front side (7).
4. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first receiving area (11) is adapted in cross-section to the shape of the stud-type electrical connection element (3).
5. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first receiving area (11) has a supporting surface (14) for the stud-type electric connection element (3) such that the supporting surface (14) serves as abutment for the connection element (3) when the contact member (5) with the insulation displacement slit (36) is pushed over the stud-type connection element (3).
6. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second receiving area (12) is substantially shaft-shaped.
7. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second receiving area (12) is closed towards the underside (9) of the casing (4).
8. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the casing (4) is provided with mechanical fastening elements.
9. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least in the region where it intersects the first receiving area (11), the second receiving area (12) is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the contact member (5) in such a manner that in this region the contact member (5) has a slight play in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the first receiving area (11) and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first receiving area (11).
10. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second receiving area (12) is provided with widened sections (21) located towards the upper side (8) and open towards the upper side (8).
11. Terminal device according to claim 10, characterised in that in the region of the widened sections (21), the second receiving area (12) is provided with projecting ribs (23, 25), between which guide grooves are delimited, the width of which is adapted to the inserted contact member (5) in this region.
12. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact member (5) is plate-shaped at least on its inside end and is delimited by a transverse edge (34), wherein the insulation displacement slit (36) extends from the transverse edge (34) into the plate-shaped section.
13. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the insulation displacement slit (36) lies symmetrically in the plate-shaped section.
14. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact member (5) is substantially plate-shaped over the entire surface.
15. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact member (5) has a substantially constant thickness, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second receiving area (12).
16. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact member (5) is provided with a further connecting device (35, 37, 38, 42) at its end remote from the inside end and located in the vicinity of the upper side (8) of the casing in the position of use.
17. Terminal device according to claim 16, characterised in that the contact member (5) is provided with at least one contact spring device (37, 38, 42).
18. Terminal device according to claim 17, characterised in that the contact spring device (37, 38, 42) comprises a reed (42) as well as an opening (39, 41) in the contact member (5).
19. Terminal device according to claim 18, characterised in that the reed (42) has a free end (45, 46), opposite which an abutment surface (37, 38) fastened to the contact member (5) is located.
20. Terminal device according to claim 19, characterised in that the abutment surface is formed by a lug (37, 38) stamped out of the contact member (5).
21. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the casing (4) has a third receiving area (26), which opens towards the front side (7) and is located at the level of the contact spring device (37, 38, 42).
22. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that when the contact member (5) is mounted the contact spring device (37, 38, 42) is located in the widened section (21) of the second receiving area (12).
23. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the reed (42) is contained between the contact member (5) and the rear side (6) of the casing (4).
24. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact member (5) contains a further insulation displacement slit (35) for the external wiring.
25. Terminal device according to claim 1, characterised in that locking elements are provided, which prevent the contact member (5) from being pulled out of the second receiving area (12).
26. Terminal device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing has at least two contact members, wherein each contact member in the casing has a first and a second associated receiving area to connect a number of contact elements corresponding to the number of contact members to one another so that they are electrically insulated from one another.

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